HomeMy Public PortalAbout2005_07_11Council Work Session
3uly 11, 2005
7:00 p.m. Briefing - Youth Music Preservation and Promotion Association
Ms. Gabriela Bohnett, Youth Music Preservation and Promotion Association,
addressed Council. She played an excerpt from 60 Minutes showcasing the
Venezuelan Youth Orchestra system. Further, she outlined the events of the recent
gathering of youth orchestras and thanked the Mayor and Council for their support.
Ms. Bohnett outlined her proposal for a Leesburg Youth Orchestra to allow
more children the opportunity to take part in these events. She stated this program
could be done in coordination with the R.O.C.K program to reach at-risk youth.
Further, she stated she would also work in coordination with local arts and cultural
groups, and the current Little Mozart students would serve as mentors to these new
children.
Ms. Bohnett stated in the first year the orchestra would be comprised of 20
children ages 10 to 16, who would rehearse four hours a week and perform in annual
concerts. She outlined the budget for this program stating she would donate six of
the instruments, Leesburg Bookstore will donate the books, Pastor Van Welton of
Crossroads Baptist Church will provide the rehearsal space, Leesburg Parks &
Recreation will provide the snacks and several of the instructors have offered
discounted rates. Further, she stated the program could begin as early as this fall
and the cost of the program would be $25,000.
Councilmember Kramer stated there are people in the community that could
provide resources and she would like to support this program.
Councilmember Burk congratulated Ms. Bohnett on her efforts stating this is a
wonderful idea. She stated she has a number of questions regarding how the
program will be run, what is the role of the Town, how will we justify only offering
this instruction to certain children in a certain part of the Town? Further, she
recognized Loudoun County School Board Member Sarah B. Smith and asked her to
take this information back to the School Board stating it is time for the schools to
implement a strings program.
Ms. Smith stated she taught at-risk youth at Douglass and this program could
give them self confidence and help them to feel better about themselves.
Councilmember Horne stated this is a wonderful project and she would like to
see it happen. Further, she expressed her concern for funding the project with tax
dollars and stated she would like to see the Town support this through in-kind
donations.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like to see a business plan for the
program and if this is going to be an annual request, then a presentation should be
made with the other community agencies during the budget process. Further, he
stated Congressman Wolf would be a good resource for grant funding for the arts.
Councilmember Hammler expressed her appreciation for Ms. Bohnett's
efforts. She thanked Carlos Pores, Lara Valle, Pastor Van Welton, Wendell Fisher and
Sarah Smith for their support and stated the importance of getting the program off
Town Council Work Session Minutes for July 11, 2005 Page 2
the ground now. Further, she stated Chief Price has suggested several ways to
measure the success of this program.
Councilmember Hammler stated she has spoken with Congressman Wolf's
office and individuals with the GRIT program to get the outreach started. She
commented on this program as a tool for gang prevention and cultural pride for a
growing population.
There was further discussion regarding the availability of grants and funding.
Mr. Kaj Dentler stated his staff is excited about the program and feel it fits in
well with the community outreach efforts; however, staff has not developed a
business plan. He stated he recommends that if Council funds the program that it be
administered by the Parks & Recreation Department. Further, he stated he feels
comfortable in requesting a $25,000 budget.
There was further discussion regarding funding, administration of the
program and evaluation of the program.
Ms. Lara Valle stated her experience in working with her non-profit
organization is that in order to qualify for grants and donations you have to have
something to show over a period of time, She stated this initial funding is needed in
order for Ms. Bohnett to have the opportunity to expand her funding base,
Councilmember Zoldos asked Mr. Dentler to prepare an outline regarding the
issues of administration of the program for tomorrow night.
Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, 8:01 p.m. Mayor Umstattd presiding.
Councilmembers Present: Kelly Burk, Kathryn Sheldon Hammler, Susan B. Horne,
Melinda Kramer, Marry Martinez, Bob Zoldos, and Mayor Umstattd.
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Town Manager .lohn Wells, Interim Town Attorney
Elizabeth Whiting, Assistant to the Town Manager Nicole Ard, Assistant to the Town
Manager Kathy Leidich, Chief of Police 3oe Price, Director of Engineering and Public
Works Tom Mason, Airport Director Cindi Martin, Director of Planning, Zoning and
Development Susan Swift, Director of Parks and Recreation Kaj Dentler, Director of
Economic Development Betsy Fields, Director of the Office of Capital Projects Nagi
Elsewaissi, Director of Finance Norm Butts, Management/Budget Officer Mike Freda,
Planner Steve McGregor, Management [ntern Tami Watkins and Assistant to the
Clerk of Council Debi Parry.
AGENDA ITEMS
Council Meeting of July :L2, 2005
a. Approving a supplemental appropriation of $:L,505~942 for the
acquisition of 45-acres of land on the west side of the Leesburg
Executive Airport - public hearing
There was no Council discussion of this item.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for July 11, 2005 Page 3
Authorizing the transfer of $25,000 from the Town Manager's
Contingency Account to the Community Outreach Program
within the Parks & Recreation Department's Fiscal Year 2006
General Operating Budget to support the Leesburg Youth
Orchestra Project
Discussion took place during the 7:00 briefing.
c. Loudoun County request for the Town to establish a capital
intensity factor for new residential rezonings.
Councilmember Zoldos verified the resolution establishes a capital
intensity factor for school capital facilities costs only.
Councilmember Horne asked if this would be retroactive to previously
approved rezonings?
Mr. McGregor stated it would only be retroactive if an application was
made to amend an approved rezoning.
IVls. Whiting stated the formula would be activated by an overall
increase above the authorized use.
Councilmember Home stated Ttem !T! of the Resolution states "Any
proffer money collected shall be used to provide school related capital
facilities that will serve the Leesburg residents that will live in the new
development resulting from the rezoning." She asked if the County has
an expectation that this money will go into their general fund, or will it be
placed in a specially designated fund to benefit only Leesburg kids?
Mr. Wells stated each proffer is identified to a particular development
and the dollars are tagged for specific projects within the County's
accounting system. He stated he will work with the County's budget office
to ensure this is the case.
For consideration and discussion:
1. Report from the Loudoun Street Task Force
Bill Michell, Loudoun Street Task Force, addressed Council. He stated the
final decision of the group was that this is a very viable project and the design
needs to be a landmark type structure. Further, he stated Mr. Peter Burner had
prepared some cost projections of the property and the appraisal for the two units
came in at $750,000 so some concessions will need to be made.
Councilmember Burk asked what are the next steps?
IVlr. Michell stated the committee will put together a design competition where
proposal would be submitted to the Town.
Councilmember Horne stated we are fortunate to have the members of the
committee to put together this proposal which would've cost the Town thousands of
dollars to hire a consultant to prepare.
Councilmember Zoldos thanked the members of the committee and stated he
is looking forward to the next steps and further analysis.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for .luly 11, 2005 Page 4
Councilmember Hammler thanked the committee for their effort. She asked
what the assumption is for the best and highest use of the building.
Mr. Michell stated that would be part of the next steps. He stated the
committee wanted to leave it open for the proposals to recommend various uses for
the site.
2. Proposed site for a new Loudoun County High School on O'Connor
property on the west side of Route :L5 business
Tom Mason stated the traffic study with the supplemental information
regarding the intersection of Market and King Streets indicates the traffic levels will
be the same whether or not the school is constructed. He stated staff will work with
the Loudoun County Public School staff to improve the levels of service in the future
like what was done with the Loudoun County High School special exception.
Councilmember Hammler expressed concern with the impact on downtown
traffic and the students who would cross Business Route 15 to reach the school.
Mr. Mason stated a trail system to direct the students to safe crossing
locations could be implemented. He stated the signalized intersection at King and
North Streets is already proffered by the County and will be fully funded when
warranted. Further, he stated we need to find other solutions and ways to improve
traffic.
Mayor Umstattd asked Dr. Sam Adamo when the Loudoun County School
Board needed a vote on the issue.
Dr. Adamo Loudoun County Public Schools Director of Planning and
Legislative Services stated anytime within the next couple of weeks to a month
would be fine. Further, he stated he has been working closely the O'Connor family
and Town staff.
Councilmember Hammler asked when staff would come back with more
details? Further, she asked if any application has been received from the O'Connor
family.
Mr. Mason stated it will be months before the details and solutions are worked
out,
was the consensus of Council to vote in two weeks.
Ms. Sarah B. Smith stated the schools are growing and the School Board is
hoping for a resolution on this matter as soon as possible.
Downtown Parking Issues
a. Harrison Street meters
IVls. Betsy Fields stated in IVlarch Council discussed Mr. Pegues'
difficulty with the parking meters in front of his business on Harrison Street.
She stated she would not recommend that the meters be removed; however,
the meters could be converted to six hours. Further, she suggested the
meters on Liberty Street be converted to four hours.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for July 11, 2005 Page 5
Councilmember Kramer stated she does not see the need for the
meters on Harrison Street and will speak with Mr. Pegues regarding his
needs. Mayor Umstattd stated Ms. Fields proposed change would be better
than the current situation.
Ms. Fields stated if the meters were removed then anyone could park
their car there without the requirement to move it during the day. Further,
she expressed her concern that this would open the door for other owners to
request that the meters in front of their businesses be removed.
Councilmember Kramer stated this might be a good evolution;
however, we need to listen to our businesses.
Councilmember Horne asked how changing the meter to six hours
would help this business owner.
Ms. Fields stated as the cars are repaired Mr. Pegues moves the cars
to the meter and with this change he would only have to worry about moving
the cars every six hours. Further, she stated this would help, but not
alleviate the problem entirely.
Councilmember Zoldos asked how many parking meters are in front of
Mr. Pegues business and how would this change affect the other businesses
on Harrison Street.
Ms. Fields stated the meters that would be changed are actually
further down Harrison Street and there are no other businesses on that street
that would be affected.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he does not believe it is the
responsibility of the Town to provide parking for businesses. Further, he
asked why it is illegal to feed the meter.
Ms. Fields stated by allowing people to feed the meter you enable
them to park in that spot all day and there is no turnover. She stated this
defeats the purpose of having a time limit on the meters.
Councilmember Zoldos stated increasing the time limit on the meters
to six hours would also decrease turnover, therefore, he can not support this
request.
Councilmember Hammler stated it was her impression that the Finance
Department would be handling the parking issues.
Mr. Wells stated it was staff's feeling that since this particular issue
involves a business owner it could best handled by Ms. Fields.
b. l~lotorc¥cle Parking
Ms. Fields stated Scott Warner has requested that the spaces in front
of the Downtown Saloon be designated for motorcycle parking after 5:00 p.m.
each evening. She stated staff is working with Mr. Warner to find a solution.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for ~luly 11, 2005 Page 6
c. Loading Zone Issues
Ms. Fields stated downtown restaurants make deliveries using the
loading zone areas because they do not have there own parking to use. She
stated staff is working on a solution to this issue.
4. Report on Board of Architectural Review - murals
Councilmember Burk stated an individual came before the Board of
Architectural Review with a request to paint a mural on the side of a building and it
has become apparent that the Town has no guidelines to deal with an issue of this
nature. Further, she introduced Mary Beth rvlohr stating she has created a report on
what the Town needs to do to create guidelines and what other jurisdictions are
doing.
Ms. Mohr stated she is a proponent of the formation of a Public Arts
Commission stating there are a number of art organizations in the area that are
donation driven programs. She stated she researched the best practices for arts
commissions in many localities throughout the country and in the long term Leesburg
will need a public arts commission. Further, she stated this will require the approval
and support of Council and a Public Arts Advisory Committee should be formed and
given a deadline of four to six months to create the necessary guidelines to form a
commission.
Vice Mayor Martinez verified this would include all arts and not be limited to
just public art.
Councilmember Burk stated we are at a point in Leesburg where arts and
culture issues are going to continue to grow. She stated the Board of Architectural
Review would like to see this done because they do not feel comfortable making
these types of decisions without recommendations from a committee. Further, she
stated the arts attract tourists to the Town.
Councilmember Horne expressed her support for this recommendation stating
she would like to ensure the art reflects the values of the community.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he would like to have further discussion on the
issue and would not support regulating imagination.
Ms. IVlohr stated in most communities the projects are public/private
partnerships.
Councilmember Hammler expressed her support stating this could be an
extension of our character; however, we would need to be mindful of issues involving
family values.
Mayor Umstattd stated a similar issue came before a previous Council
regarding a request to put a sculpture garden in front of the garage on Loudoun
Street. She stated the Council at that time approved the display, but maintained the
right to veto any sculpture that could be viewed as objectionable. Further, she
stated the Council would need to maintain that level of control as they are the best
to determine what is appropriate.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for ]uly 11, 2005 Page
Ms. Mohr stated public art and public space are the legacy of the Town and
that is why a committee should be formed first to thoroughly examine the issues of
an Arts Council.
Vice Mayor Martinez recommended that Ms. Mohr and Councilmembers Burk
and Kramer be involved in looking at the establishment of a task force.
Councilmember Zoldos cautioned against naming individuals to this project
before Council has voted.
There was further Council discussion regarding the formation of a task force.
Councilmember Burk stated she would like to recommend that Council vote
tomorrow night on the formation of a arts task force.
5. Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce "Horsing Around Loudoun"
Outdoor Art Project
Bob Steere, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer,
addressed Council. He stated similar to what has been done in other cities artists
will create 32 horses which will be on display throughout the Town. Further, he
stated they will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the Chamber of
Commerce, Oatlands Plantation, Loudoun County Council for the Arts and the
Therapeutic Riding Program at Morven Park.
Mayor Umstattd stated we had discussed the possibility of fitting one or two
horses on the Loudoun Street side of the parking garage. She stated the possibility
of more than one group sponsoring a horse had also been discussed; however, it
may not be possible for every member of the group to receive recognition on the
horse's plaque.
Mr. Steere stated a website has been established for this program and each of
the sponsors will be listed there. Further, on October 21 there will be a reception for
the artists and the sponsors.
Councilmember Zoldos verified the Town has no other obligation other than
the placement of the horses in the Town.
Mr, Steere stated the Town of Middleburg has agreed to sponsor a horse.
6. Report on police response to 205 North King Street
Chief .loe Price stated he reported misinformation at the last Council meeting
regarding an erroneous computer dispatcher's on the scene time. He stated the
review found an error in the recorded on scene time call report and it was assumed
that error was generated by the officer accidentally hitting the touch screen on the
computer in the police car. Further, he stated on June 30 the officer denied ever
touching the computer and reported that the computer malfunctioned when the car
died.
Chief Price stated as a result of this information the supervisor was asked to
conduct a detailed special report run which showed the actual entry was made by the
dispatcher. He stated this was confirmed when the dispatcher was questioned.
Further, he stated after the error was discovered a press release was drafted to
explain the error and the Town IVlanager was contacted.
Town Council Work Session lVlinutes for .luly 11, 2005 Page
Chief Price apologized for his error in this matter and any misinformation that
was reported.
Councilmember Burk stated a newspaper has reported that the dispatcher in
error here is the same on that was involved in the delayed response to Laurel
Brigade.
Chief Price stated that situation was different from the King Street incident
and corrective action was taken in both cases.
Councilmember Burk asked what sort of action was taken after the Laurel
Brigade incident.
Chief Price stated the dispatch protocol was changed, whereby high priority
call units are dispatched immediately, if it is a lower priority, but important call the
supervisor is notified immediately and the lowest priority calls can be held up to 10
minutes before being dispatched.
Councilmember Burk asked if these measures will prevent this problem from
happening again.
Chief Price stated the regulations have been reinforced with department staff.
Councilmember Zoldos thanked Chief Price for his report. He asked what the
response priorities are.
Chief Price stated the first priority is the protection of life and prevention of
injury. He stated the second priority is the protection of property.
Councilmember Hammler stated there is an increasing trend towards break-
ins at businesses and asked where the Town is in terms of prosecutions and have
any trends been scene.
Chief Price stated our burglaries are running lower than where we were at this
point last year. He stated there have been several in the past weeks and successful
arrests have been made and some of these individuals have been linked to other
crimes in the County.
7. Crosstrail ZMAP 2005-0011 Referral
Ms. Swift stated this is a County rezoning and has been referred to the Town
for comment because it is in our ~loint Land Management Area. She stated the Town
is supposed to submit its comments to the County by the end of the week.
Mayor Umstattd stated Council has taken a position on the CPAM.
Mr. Wells stated Council has already taken a position on a boundary line
adjustment for that area. He stated in earlier discussion Council requested to see
staff's referral comments on this CPAM before it was sent to the County.
Mr. Steve McGregor stated this is a 490-acre site located between the
Greenway, the Leesburg Executive Airport, Crosstrail Boulevard extended and
Battlefield Parkway extended. He outlined the uses on the property including 1.2
million square feet of office use, 830,000 square feet of retail, up to :[,400 dwelling
Town Council Work Session Minutes for .luly 11, 2005 Page 9
units, a 19-acre school site, 200,000 square feet of civic uses 1/3 of the acreage will
remain as open space and there is also hotel use. Further, the site is planned for
Business-3 Employment use with 10 percent of the site designated for support retail,
up to 10 acres and five percent of the site designated for civic use.
Mr. McGregor stated the major land use concern is that the site is not planned
for residential; however there are over 200 acres of residential use proposed. He
stated there are other issues of concern with the proposal.
Councilmember Kramer stated the airport is an important issue in this plan
and given the letter we received from the state regarding their concern for
residential use around the airport.
Vice Mayor Martinez verified staff's official position is that the proposal does
not conform with the Comprehensive Plan in a significant way. Further, he stated it
was his impression that the residential would be age restricted.
Mr. McGregor stated one-half of the residential units will be age restricted.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated he would endorses staff's recommendation.
Councilmember Burk stated she would support a Council vote tomorrow night
to endorse the Planning Staff's recommendation.
Councilmember Home stated the primary use of the property should be key
note employment given its location along the Greenway. She stated the residential
use is not compatible with the Leesburg Executive Airport.
Councilmember Zoldos stated Council should understand this is outside the
Town and asked why staff feels the school site chosen for this development is
inappropriate for that use?
Mr. McGregor stated the Town is not planning to extend major utilities to this
area; however, the site could potentially be appropriate if the utilities are provided
by Loudoun County Sanitation Authority. Further, he stated staff feels the school
site should be located on the same side of the Greenway as the residential units.
Councilmember Zoldos stated it is important to remember that we are trying
to apply Town of Leesburg policies on a property that is in the County.
Mr. McGregor stated the Town Plan does show a preferred designation for
property in the .1LMA.
Councilmember Hammler stated our focus is the boundary line adjustment
issue. She stated she would like to see Council support staff's recommendations and
would like the Town to present a fiscal opportunity cost analysis to the County to
explain why it is a win-win situation to move forward swiftly on a boundary line
adjustment.
IVlayor Umstattd asked what would be the best way for the Town to prevent
having so many vehicle trips come through the Town?
Town Council Work Session Minutes for July 11, 2005 Page 10
Mr. McGregor stated staff is proposing that the applicant change their
application and proposal. He stated we will also be recommending that the County
staff get further traffic analysis from the applicant.
Mayor Umstattd stated it seems the more we can direct traffic to the
intersection of Crosstrail Boulevard and the Greenway, the better it would be for our
residents.
Mr. McGregor stated staff will be asking the County to ensure that the
applicant should be responsible for the impacts that are above and beyond their
contributions to the planed road network.
It was the consensus of Council to vote tomorrow night to endorse staff's
comments.
For information only:
Preview Ttems for July 25, 2005 work session
a. TLTA-2004-O002 Village at Leesburg - Route ? at River Creek
Parkway/Crosstrail Boulevard interchange design amendment
- public hearing
Councilmember Zoldos asked what has staff determined regarding the
interchange?
Ms. Swift stated staff supports amending the Town Plan to allow for a
diamond interchange at this location; however, this is not an endorsement of
the applicant's proposed design.
Councilmember Zoldos stated he received a letter from Reed Smith
regarding their offer for an extension.
Mayor Umstattd stated she is not sure if we need to vote on the
extension; however, if a vote is needed it should be done tomorrow night.
bm
Annual Program for street milling~ resurfacing~ concrete
repairs~
handicap ramp installations~ and brick sidewalk installation
There was no Council discussion of this item.
New Business:
a. Closed Session
On a motion by Mayor Umstattd, seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez the
following motion was proposed:
Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia, I move
that the Leesburg Town Council convene in a closed meeting to
consider a personnel matter, specifically the selection of a Town
Attorney.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos and
Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
Town Council Work Session Minutes for July 11, 2005 Page ! !
Council convened in closed session at 8:35 p.m.
Council reconvened in open session at 9:16 p.m. and the following
motion was made by Mayor Umstattd and seconded by Vice Mayor Martinez:
~[n accordance with Section 2.2-3712 (D) of the Code of Virginia, !
move the that Council certify that to the best of each member's knowledge,
only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements under the Freedom of :Information Act and such personnel
matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was
convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by Council.
The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
Aye: Burk, Hammler, Horne, Kramer, Martinez, Zoldos and
Mayor Umstattd
Nay: None
Vote: 7-0
b. National Guard Homecoming
Councilmember Zoldos stated our members of the National Guard will
be returning home shortly and recommended that the Town hold a parade in
their honor.
Mayor Umstattd asked that Mr. Kaj Dentler look into this issue.
Councilmember Home stated it would be nice for the Town to invite
veterans from the other wars to participate in this parade.
c. Trash collection
Councilmember Zoldos recommended changing the times that the
trash trucks do the side streets during morning rush hour instead of the
major streets. He stated the traffic backs up significantly on King Street in
the mornings when the trash is collected.
IVlr. Mason stated staff would look into this issue.
Councilmember Hammler stated residents in her neighborhood have
asked why the street cleaning crew comes out while the trash cans are out on
the street before the trash is picked up.
Mr. Mason stated he would also look into that issue.
d. Cable Commission Vacancy
Councilmember Zoldos stated his appointee has resigned from the
Cable Commission and asked that the Town place an advertisement in the
paper.
e. Residential Drainage Zssue
Councilmember Zoldos stated Mr. Paul ]~mmo at 117 Richards Drive
has a serious drainage problem along his property line and asked staff to look
at it.
Town Council Work Session Minutes for July 11, 2005 Page
Mr. Mason stated the inspection staff have already looked into the
issue and will be visiting his property tomorrow.
2005_tcwsmin0711
Adjournment
On a motion by Councilmember Burk, seconded by Councilmember Home the
meeting was adjourned at 10:39 p.m.
/~~rk of Council ~ \